The phrase "Charge to Keep the Commandment" refers to the biblical exhortation to adhere faithfully to the commandments given by God. This charge is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the importance of obedience, faithfulness, and the moral and spiritual obligations of believers.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the charge to keep the commandments is foundational to the covenant relationship between God and His people, Israel. The commandments, most notably encapsulated in the Ten Commandments, are given as part of the Mosaic Law. In Deuteronomy 6:1-2 , Moses instructs the Israelites: "These are the commandments and statutes and ordinances that the LORD your God has instructed me to teach you to follow in the land that you are about to enter and possess, so that you and your children and grandchildren may fear the LORD your God all the days of your lives by keeping all His statutes and commandments that I give you, and so that your days may be prolonged."

The charge is not merely a legalistic requirement but a call to a life of holiness and devotion. The Israelites are reminded that their obedience is a response to God's deliverance and love, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:9 : "Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments."

Wisdom Literature

The wisdom literature of the Old Testament, particularly the book of Proverbs, reinforces the charge to keep the commandments as a path to wisdom and life. Proverbs 3:1-2 states, "My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the charge to keep the commandments is reiterated and expanded upon by Jesus Christ and the apostles. Jesus affirms the importance of the commandments in Matthew 5:17-19 : "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. Truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

Jesus encapsulates the commandments in the Great Commandment, emphasizing love for God and neighbor as the fulfillment of the law (Matthew 22:37-40). The apostle John further emphasizes this in 1 John 5:3 : "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome."

Theological Implications

The charge to keep the commandments is integral to the believer's sanctification process. It reflects a life transformed by the Holy Spirit, where obedience is not a means to earn salvation but a response to the grace received through faith in Jesus Christ. The commandments serve as a guide for righteous living, aligning the believer's life with God's will and purpose.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, the charge to keep the commandments involves a commitment to studying Scripture, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance. It calls for a life of integrity, love, and service, reflecting the character of Christ in all aspects of life. The charge is a reminder of the believer's identity as a child of God, called to live in a manner worthy of the gospel.